Last week saw some firsts for head varsity football coach Marcus Teal and assistant varsity football coach Robert Cutts and similar sights for principal Tam Larnerd and the grizzly community.
Last week was the first time that one of our experts guessed all four games correct, as both Teal and Cutts went 4-0 during week eight. Larnerd and the community didn’t have the same results, but still posted a 2-2 record for the week.
With week nine currently underway, the NFL has reached the halfway point of the season. This brings the conversation of most valuable player (MVP) and many other awards into question, with many people (including our experts) speculating on who they think will take home the honors.
“It is quite the race for the league MVP,” Teal said. “I am in agreement with most…offensively. I think Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is playing lights out right now. And defensively, I like Buccaneers LB Lavonte David. He is a one man wrecking crew right now!”
Ravens @ Colts
Teal: “Colts defense has played well, but the Ravens defense and quarterback Lamar Jackson are determined to be better, Ravens are primed to shine!”
Ravens 34, Colts 21
Larnerd: Colts 17-10
Grizzly Community: 72% in favor of the Ravens
Writer’s Opinion: While the Ravens seem like the obvious pick in this game, the way they have been playing has me skeptical about how the game will turn out. Lamar Jackson hasn’t been playing at the level I expected him to, and the Colts, while inconsistent offensively, seem to be the safer pick this week.
Colts 27, Ravens 21
Raiders @ Chargers
Teal: “Always a tough decision when picking for/against my favorite team! Tough gritty win for the Raiders last week, Chargers blew another 16+ point lead in the 4th qtr!“
Raiders 35, Chargers 34
Larnerd: Raiders 28-17
Grizzly Community: 80% in favor of the Raiders
Writer’s Opinion: The Chargers have blown way too many double digit leads this season for me to ever consider them as a winner, especially when they are playing a divisional rival that has a pretty decent chance of getting into the playoffs this year through the wild card in the Raiders.
Raiders 31, Chargers 17
Dolphins @ Cardinals
Teal: “Dolphins going with their QB of the future, Cards have a franchise QB of their own in Kyler Murray.”
Cardinals 28, Dolphins 27
Larnerd: Cardinals 15-3
Grizzly Community: 54% in favor of the Dolphins
Writer’s Opinion: A game that I never would’ve thought would be entertaining about three years ago. The Dolphins’ defense came up big against the Rams while allowing over 400 yards of scrimmage in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s first career start, but the Cardinals have been on a tear recently that puts pressure on the teams above them in their division.
Cardinals 28, Dolphins 10
Saints @ Buccaneers
Teal: “The rematch!! Earlier [in the season], Saints showed the Bucs who the leader of the NFC South really is! But Tom Brady has found his footing with the Bucs offense and the Saints seem to be reeling a bit! I like the Bucs to win the Rematch, with the rubber game coming in the playoffs!”
Buccaneers 35, Saints 21
Larnerd: Buccaneers 34-28
Grizzly Community: 71% in favor of the Saints
Writer’s Opinion: The rematch between two NFC teams that could take the whole conference come playoff time. The Saints are getting wide receiver Michael Thomas back this week, but the Buccaneers can now add recently signed wide receiver Antonio Brown to their already impressive list of position players. I think the Bucs come out on top in a close game.
Buccaneers 35, Saints 31
